Deep submergence container lid seal

ABSTRACT

A console containing instrumentation and switches is filled with a dielectric liquid for pressure compensation and is provided with a spacious opening to allow unrestricted access to its interior. A removable plate, being sufficiently sized to bridge the opening, compresses a gasket carried on the console to ensure sealing of the interior from the surrounding water. Because the gasket has a tubular cross-sectional configuration and a relatively large compliant cross section, it is able to conform to irregular surfaces to maintain the sealed relationship. At least one pressure compensation hole is provided in the gasket in communication with the console&#39;&#39;s interior to prevent a failureinducing pressure differential from building up across the gasket.

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States atet 1w:

Strickland et al.

Sept. 4, 1973 DEEP SUBMERGENCE CONTAINER LID SEAL Assignee: The United States 01 America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.

[22] Filed: Mar. 27, 1972 [21] 'Appl. No.: 238,577 W [52] US. Cl 114/16 R [51] int. Cl. 1363c 11/00 [58] Field 01 Search 114/0.5 R, 16, 50;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,225,956 12/1965 Laming 220/46 P 1,319,464 10/1919 Durbin 114/16 C Primary Examiner-Milton Buchler Assistant Examiner-Charles E. Frankfort Attorney-Richard S. Sciascia, Ervin F. Johnston et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A console containing instrumentation and switches is filled with a dielectric liquid for pressure compensation and is provided with a spacious opening to allow unrestricted access to its interior. A removable plate, being sufficiently sized to bridge the opening, compresses a gasket carried on the console to ensure sealing of the interior from the surrounding water. Because the gasket has a tubular cross-sectional configuration and a relatively large compliant cross section, it is able to conform to irregular surfaces to maintain the sealed relationship. At least one pressure compensation hole is provided in the gasket in communication with the consoles interior to prevent a failure-inducing pressure differential from building up across the gasket.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEBSEP M915 SHEET 1 BF 2 FIG.3

FIG.4

DEEP SUBMERGENCE CONTAINER LID SEAL CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention relates to copending related patent applications entitled Diver Operated Propulsion System for an Underwater Vehicle by Alvah T. Strickland, US. Pat. Off. Ser. No. 183,642 and Buoyancy Transport Vehicle Control Console by Alvah T. Strickland,

US. Pat. Off. Ser. No. 237,304.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION closing the filled housing by one or more O-rings sandwiched between a disk-shaped lid and the housing. While this approach affords satisfactory pressure compensation when continuous O-rings are compressed between machined surfaces, problems arise when the opening is other than round or irregular surfaces need to be mated together. Neoprene strips have been used with some degree of success yet the entrapped bubbles of air collapse as increasing pressures are encountered and the seal leaks. In addition, repeated removal and reseating of the lids wear the neoprene seals causing their inopportune failure. Instrumentation packages or consoles requiring frequent inspection and maintenance have long needed a suitable sealing arrangement capable of standing up under repetitious disassembly and reassembly. Furthermore, while there are commercially available seals for square, rectangular or other odd-shaped openings, these seals are special items manufactured for their particular application and are fabricated at a consequent greater cost per unit. A continuing need exists for a seal adaptable for odd-shaped openings having irregular surfaces on the housing and the closing plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to providing an apparatus for housing and sealing instrumentation in a marine environment. A suitably shaped container having a large opening is filled with a dielectric fluid. A first sealing surface disposed near the opening receives a covering panel having a correspondingly shaped second sealing surface for abutting the first surface. A duct is provided reaching through the first sealing surface communicating with the fluid and a pliable continuous seal having a tubular cross-sectional configuration is adhered onto the first surface. A hole provided in the wall of the continuous seal is aligned with the duct for receiving a portion of the fluid. As ambient pressures are increased, a portion of the fluid enters the tubular seal preventing the seal s collapse. A securing means holds the continuous seal in its sealed relationship to ensure reliability irrespective of changing pressures.

An object of the invention is to provide a sealing arrangement nonresponsive to changing ambient pressures.

Another object is to provide a continuous seal adaptable to conform to odd-shaped lines of juncture.

A further object is to provide a continuous seal nonresponsive to changing pressures and rugged to withstand repetitive resealing.

A further object is to provide an underwater console 0 having a pair of reliably sealed orthogonally disposed inspection panels giving complete access to enclosed instrumentation.

Another object is to provide a console configured to ensure reliable sealing irrespective of repeated assembly and disassembly.

These and other objects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the ensuing specification when taken with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an isometric depiction of the console.

FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the console taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1 with the back and bottom closing panels removed.

FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view generally taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1 with the back and bottom panels secured in place.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view with the bottom panel removed.

FIG. 4 is a side view, shown partially in cross section, of the continuous seal joint.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, an instrumentation console 10 is shown having instrumentation and switches for centrally monitoring and controlling electrical or mechanical devices. The console is more completely described in the secondly cited related pending patent application above and its intended use is detailed at length in the first cited related pending patent application. Briefly, the console is provided with a front panel 11 through which the appropriate fittings and observation ports are disposed and which is bonded or welded onto a pair of side panels 12 and 13. A heavyduty cross pin 14 is included to afford a degree of protection to the panel, as well as servingas a convenient handle. Having the instrumentation and switches mounted on the forward facing and the upward facing areas of the front panel gives a diver-operator complete observation and control capabilities within a small space. The interior of the console has generally an L- shaped cross-sectional configuration and is filled with a dielectric coil 15 see FIG. 2b. Filling the console cavity completely with the dielectric oil renders the console nonresponsive to ambient pressure fluctuations; Since small bubbles of air might unavoidably be trapped in the console cavity, a flexible diaphragm element 11a is mounted on the front panel to act as a pressure equalization element and to prevent creating a pressure differential across the sealing member.

Such instrumentation and meters and switches carried within-the disclosed console may frequently needinspection and maintenance. Complete access to the instrumentation is ensured by having a removable back panel 16 and a removable bottom panel 17 mounted and sealed to provide the desired accessibility to components.

On the inside of the lower portion of front panel 11, a lateral groove 18 is machined while another lateral groove 19 is machined across the inside of the top portion of front panel 11.

Adjacent to lateral groove 18, a rectangularly shaped frame 20, having an L" angle cross-sectional configuration is welded onto the inside of front panel 11 and the side panels 12 and 13 to provide a first sealing surface 20a. Across the back of the console, a coextensive section 21 of rectangularly shaped frame 20 reaches to define a rearwardly facing sealing surface 21a. Similarly, a U-shaped frame 22 also having an angle cross-sectional configuration is welded onto the bottom side of the top portion of front panel I] and to side panel 12 and 13. Being so shaped, a sealing surface 22a is defined and, where the U-shaped frame and the rectangularly shaped frames meet, there is a junction area 23 holding the two together. Lateral grooves 18 and 19 are both sufficiently sized to accommodate an end portion 16a or 17a of the back and bottom panels respectively. From the foregoing description it is noted that large, rectangularly shaped sealing surfaces have been defined around the back and bottom of the console. Also, the surfaces have not been machined and may possess uneven contours and small burrs. Thus, an oddshaped sealing gasket must be provided which will create a seal on an irregular surface.

The invention, as configured and described provides a reliable seal for the consoles sealing surfaces. A sealing element 24 is glued or bonded onto the lower surface of the rectangularly shaped frame 20 on sealing surfaces 20a and 21a as well as the downwardly facing surfaces of the rectangularly shaped frame along the portions where it is secured onto side panels 12 and 13.

In like manner, a similar sealing element 26 is adhered to the backward facing surface 22a of U-shaped frame 22. This sealing element 26 completes its closed course on a rearwardly facing surface 21b of coextensive section 21a. Thusly bonded in place, the two sealing elements lie in planes at right angles to each other and define the sealing surfaces of an opening at the bottom and back of the console.

Both the sealing element 24 and sealing element 26 are formed from lengths of surgical rubber tubing having an outside diameter of about of an inch. The tubing being quite resilient in nature is compressible to a fraction of its uncompressed diameter and exerts a firm outward force causing its compliant surface to conform to abutting surfaces having slight surface irregularities. Looking to FIG. 3 showing the bottom view of the console, with the relative dimensions of sealing element 24 exaggerated for purposes of explanation, the surgical tubing easily conforms to the rectangular sealing surface defined on the downwardly facing surfaces of rectangularly shaped frame 20. Thus, the flexible accommodating nature of the surgical tubing both adapts itself to sealing on irregular surfaces as well as oddshaped sealing surfaces.

Each of the sealing elements are fabricated from a single length of surgical tubing cut off at right angles and are joined as depicted in FIG. 4 to define a continuous sealing element having no breaks which could cause leaking into the console interior. A section of smaller diametered surgical tubing 25 has its outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the sealing element 24 and is inserted into both cut ends of sealing member 24 and. Thusly in place, the opposite ends 24a and 24b of sealing element 224 are brought together after a layer of neoprene cement or other suitable bonding agent has been applied to their exposed surfaces. Similarly, the outer surface 25a of the smaller diametered surgical tubing is coated with the adhesive before it is inserted in the larger diametered tube to ensure a rugged continuous joint and to present an integral sealing element.

Since the sealing elements 24 and 26 are tubular and enclose an air space, the elements are responsive to ambient pressure changes and will collapse. A method for pressure compensating the seal assuring its continuous reliable functioning has been designed and is incorporated as a vital feature of the present invention. Boring at least one duct 27 or duct 28 in the rectangularly shaped frame or the U-shaped frame is the first structural modification permitting pressure compensation. Drilling or cutting a small hole 29 or 30 in sealing element 24 or 26 respectively and aligning the holes with the ducts provides a conduit for the dielectric fluid to the sealing elements interiors. As greater depths are reached and the pressure builds up, light inward deflection of diaphragm member 11a forces a portion of the dielectric fluid to the interior of both the sealing elements.

After sealing elements 24 and 26 have been glued onto their appropriate sealing surfaces with their holes in alignment with the ducts or, in the alternative, the surgical tubing is first glued in place and then the holes are drilled, the console is assembled to ensure fail safe operation. First, end portion 17a of bottom panel 17 is inserted in lateral groove 18 slightly compressing that portion of sealing element 24 lying near the lateral groove. Pivotally rotating the bottom panel in a counterclockwise direction compresses the entire length of bottom sealing element 24 to assume the appearance depicted in FIG. 2b. Next, end portion of back panel 16 is inserted in lateral groove 19 and the back panel is rotated in a clockwise direction about its pivot point to compress sealing element 26 to assume the appearance shown in FIG. 2b. After the bottom panel and the back panel have been positioned as described, the panels need only be secured to retain this sealed closure.

An aligned L-shaped cut 31 is provided in side panels 12 and 13, only the fonner being shown. A slightly smaller angle element 32 is wedged in place and extends through the L-shaped cut to cradle end portions 17b and 16b of the bottom and back plates. The resilience of the sealing elements holds angle element 32 in place.

The sealing elements, being approximately 50 percent compressed allow a considerable accommodation to the irregular mating surfaces and the aligned ducts and holes receiving dielectric fluid render the console insensitive to pressure variations. Were it not for the fluids filling the sealing elements, they might collapse under pressure; however, such is not the case by the inclusion of the pressure compensating features of the presently disclosed sealing elements.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings, and, it is therefore understood that within the scope of the disclosed inventive concept, the invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for housing and sealing instrumentation in a marine environment against external pressure comprising:

means for containing said instrumentation provided with a first opening and having a first surface disposed about said opening, a front panel containing a second opening closed by a flexible diaphragm; fluid means filling the containing means;

means for closing said first opening being carried thereon and having a second surface shaped to abut said first surface and provided with at least one lateral duct in fluid communication with said fluid means;

a length of compliant, thin-walled rubber tubing bonded together at opposite ends to form a continuous ring for sealing the juncture between said first surface and said second surface having a tubular cross-sectional configuration and at least one hole therethrough in fluid communication with said lateral duct for receiving a portion of said fluid means; and

securing means for holding the rubber tubing in its sealed relationship, as deeper depths are reached, said diaphragm in communication with the external pressure and said fluid means forces said fluid means through said lateral duct and said hole for preventing failure across said rubber tubing.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which said first surface is a flat lip disposed at said opening and the closing means is a plate sized to cover said opening.

3. An apparatus for housing and sealing instrumentation in a marine environment against external pressure 6 comprising:

a console defining an L shaped cavity for containing said instrumentation provided with a groove around a first opening and an elongate angle secured to the console adjacent said groove to define a first sealing surface, a front panel containing a second opening closed by a flexible diaphragm;

fluid means filling the console;

a bottom plate sized to fit in said groove for closing said first opening having a second sealing surface shaped to abut said first sealing surface and being provided with at least one lateral duct in fluid communication with said fluid means;

a length of compliant, thin-walled rubber tubing bonded together at opposite ends to form a continuous ring for sealing the juncture between said first sealing surface and said second sealing surface having a tubular cross-sectional configuration and at least one hole therethrough in fluid communication with said lateral duct for receiving a portion of said fluid means; and

at least one angle member fitted through a correspondingly shaped slot in the wall of the console to engage said bottom plate and to hold the rubber tubing in its sealed relationship, as deeper depths are reached, said diaphragm in communication with the external pressure and said fluid means forces said fluid means through said lateral duct and said hole for preventing failure across the rubber tubing.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 in which said closing means additionally includes a back plate secured to said console in like manner to the securing of said bottom plate on said console. 

1. An apparatus for housing and sealing instrumentation in a marine environment against external pressure comprising: means for containing said instrumentation provided with a first opening and having a first surface disposed about said opening, a front panel containing a second opening closed by a flexible diaphragm; fluid means filling the containing means; means for closing said first opening being carried thereon and having a second surface shaped to abut said first surface and provided with at least one lateral duct in fluid communication with said fluid means; a length of compliant, thin-walled rubber tubing bonded together at opposite ends to form a continuous ring for sealing the juncture between said first surface and said second surface having a tubular cross-sectional configuration and at least one hole therethrough in fluid communication with said lateral duct for receiving a portion of said fluid means; and securing means for holding the rubber tubing in its sealed relationship, as deeper depths are reached, said diaphragm in communication with the external pressure and said fluid means forces said fluid means through said lateral duct and said hole for preventing failure across said rubber tubing.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which said first surface Is a flat lip disposed at said opening and the closing means is a plate sized to cover said opening.
 3. An apparatus for housing and sealing instrumentation in a marine environment against external pressure comprising: a console defining an ''''L'''' shaped cavity for containing said instrumentation provided with a groove around a first opening and an elongate angle secured to the console adjacent said groove to define a first sealing surface, a front panel containing a second opening closed by a flexible diaphragm; fluid means filling the console; a bottom plate sized to fit in said groove for closing said first opening having a second sealing surface shaped to abut said first sealing surface and being provided with at least one lateral duct in fluid communication with said fluid means; a length of compliant, thin-walled rubber tubing bonded together at opposite ends to form a continuous ring for sealing the juncture between said first sealing surface and said second sealing surface having a tubular cross-sectional configuration and at least one hole therethrough in fluid communication with said lateral duct for receiving a portion of said fluid means; and at least one angle member fitted through a correspondingly shaped slot in the wall of the console to engage said bottom plate and to hold the rubber tubing in its sealed relationship, as deeper depths are reached, said diaphragm in communication with the external pressure and said fluid means forces said fluid means through said lateral duct and said hole for preventing failure across the rubber tubing.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3 in which said closing means additionally includes a back plate secured to said console in like manner to the securing of said bottom plate on said console. 